Renewal and reconnection
OA Bulletin - Autumn 2007
Stephen Burgess
President, Old Albanian Club
As I write these notes I have been President for a little over nine months, which have been pleasurable and interesting. They have given me a sense of renewal and reconnection with the School both in respect of my presidential duties and as a Governor.
Starting with the Carol Service in 2006 just before I became President I have attended six formal School or OA events and have spoken on four occasions. I have been astounded by the quality of singing at both the Carol Service and at Founders’ Day, I have been impressed by the all-round abilities of the pupils at the School and delighted by the sheer niceness of the leavers I met on Graduation Day. I attended the General Inspection and although boots are not shiny as they were in my day the late fifties and early sixties, the American-style marching of the RAF section was exceptionally good both in the orders and the execution. I very much doubt that RAF sections at my time at the School would have done as well.
Challenges and Developments
I have attended two Governors’ meetings and a Governors away-day at St John’s College Cambridge, hosted by Professor John Barber (62), where we considered the future direction and requirements of the School. Under Andrew Grant the School has made great progress with many improvements, most notably in exam success which has seen the School moving towards the top 50 schools in the country and in 47th place on one table reflecting last summer’s exams. The development of Woollams has encouraged much success in the sporting area and, as mentioned earlier, music and drama are outstanding. Major charity events and involvement in the community both locally and overseas have not been neglected.
Competition at the top of education is as fierce as it is in business and sport, and a lot therefore has to be done to maintain and improve what can be offered to parents and pupils. The Charities Act 2006 will also require changes some of which are not yet clear but it seems the School will have to offer more bursaries and scholarships and may have to engage further in local education and the community. Woollams has provided the School with outstanding outdoor sports facilities but most leading private and many state sector schools now have fine indoor sports halls, many of which allow access to the wider community. As some of you know, the School has outline planning permission for a new sports hall. If this can be built the old gymnasium could be developed for drama purposes, and the provision of more bursaries will require more resources than the School currently has.
Membership and Records
The plans for development and bursaries will require outside funding and it is around 30 years since there was a major appeal but one is likely and to this end the School are looking to establish a development office. Most other top 100 schools already have one. The School has long been aware that its records of former pupils leaves something to be desired. Thanks to our Membership Secretary Roger Cook, the Old Albanian Club has reasonable records covering around 3,000 Old Albanians but we are aware that many of these may not be entirely accurate and give little information other than name and address and sometimes phone numbers and e-mail details. Unfortunately, as people change email address they do not always advise the Club.
In order to improve both School and OA records the School has appointed a researcher to establish more complete records of Old Albanians and to discover those we know nothing of. As a result of this research, our records will be merged with those of the School and will in future be maintained primarily by the School with access for the Club. We are also looking at closer co-operation between the School and the Club on future communications, and we hope to be in more regular contact with members via e-mail in particular. I thoroughly endorse these developments and will keep you posted as things move on.
Events
Since the last meeting we have held a very enjoyable Garden Party at Woollams, jointly organised by the Club and OA Sport, the operating side of Woollams. Around 130 people attended, mostly regular workers in the sports clubs operating at Woollams but also including the Headmaster and other representatives from the School. Having picked virtually the only fine Sunday in June, drinks were enjoyed on the balcony and a truly excellent lunch was provided by the Club’s catering staff.
The dinner at Woollams this year was enjoyable with some good speeches, but I would like to see attendance top the 100 mark. The changes on record keeping should help us give members more notice and make it possible to put them in touch with each other more readily. For the record, the next Dinner will be on July 4th 2008.
Sport
The clubs based at Woollams continue to provide good sport and good times for all. The cricket, rugby and lately the tennis clubs are doing a great job in introducing their sports to youngsters from the town and surrounding areas and fostering this interest through to senior level. I congratulate them all.
As I write the Rugby Club has made a fine start to the season and are confident they will do well in the league this year. They finished mid-table last year after a poor start so things promise well. The rugby played is of a good standard often very enjoyable to watch. Visit Woollams and see for yourselves.
Best wishes for the coming festive season and for 2008.